French Empire Gilt Bronze Torchiere Antique Lamp, circa 1900

About

This is a positively exceptional French Empire style lamp, the craftsmanship is beyond exquisite. Originally it would have had a mottled black and white marble column for the upper pilaster, but this was apparently replaced at some point with a painted metal column, probably around the same time the lower pilaster was cracked and repaired. Raising both pilasters are palmetto capitals of intricate casting, long leaves of acanthus foliage draping down from the lower capital over an anthemion decorated apron between the three crouched Lion Paws over a stepped and raised base. The lion paws are brilliant works of art, the skin smooth and nearly flawless, the knees ornate with their anthemion motives over the stretched tendons of the ankle and dangerously sharp curled claws.
For any serious collector of French antiques, it is clear that this is an exceptional find and of a quality that is difficult to come by. It will certainly delight even the most particular connoisseur of bronzes and works of the French Empire taste.
Measurements: 64 3/4 in. H
Condition report: Upper pilaster is painted metal, probably a replacement for what would have been a marble column. Repaired crack to marble and chips at top and bottom where it joins gilt bronze. Must be rewired: untested for functionality. We have additional images available upon request.